Chocolate pretzel clusters are bite-sized treats that combine creamy milk chocolate with crunchy salted pretzels. They're a fantastic salty & sweet treat for the holidays and can be assembled in about twenty minutes.
Heather's recipe summary
Flavor/texture: Crunchy, salty pretzels coated in creamy milk chocolate.
Yield: 21 candies
Pan size: Mini muffin
Similar to: Pretzel Wands
Ingredients and substitutions
- Melting wafers - Milk chocolate melting wafers can be substituted with dark chocolate or white chocolate if preferred. Melting wafers are ideal because they've already been tempered and are intended for making candy at home. I don't recommend chocolate chips because they don't melt as easily and have a dull, soft finish when solidified.
- Pretzels - Any small pretzels can be crushed and used in this recipe, like twists, sticks, or snaps. Pretzels could also be substituted with chopped nuts like peanuts, or a crispy cereal like rice krispies.
How to make pretzel clusters
- Heat the wafers in a microwave-safe bowl and stir until melted.
- Add the crushed pretzel pieces.
- Stir until the pretzels are completely coated.
- Use a tablespoon to portion the mixture into the mini muffin liners.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, this recipe works to create peanut clusters or any type of nut clusters if you'd prefer. Use an equal amount in volume of chopped nuts as a substitute for the crushed pretzels.
I like to buy Ghirardelli chocolate melting wafers at my local grocer. I've found them at Kroger, Publix, and Walmart. They're consistent and easy to find anytime. If I plan ahead and shop online, I prefer Merkens. The flavor of their melting wafers is superior and they melt beautifully every time. I've purchased from and recommend Dyane's Sweet Tooth when shopping online. Merckens is also available on Amazon for a hefty markup. You may also find Merkens at a cake supply store local to you.
This recipe will technically work with chocolate chips, but you won't achieve the same result. Melting wafers are made to be melted and solidified to make candy confections at home. Chocolate chips are made to hold their shape when heated. Melting wafers are the ideal choice for home candy making. When melted and solidified, your candy has a shiny finish and a candy bar "snap" when broken in half. Chocolate chips, when melted and solidified, have a dull finish and soft texture. Your candy will likely taste just as good, but will not have that candy bar "snap" or shiny finish.
Pretzel clusters will keep for up to 2 weeks in a tightly sealed container at room temperature.
Yes. Place the melting wafers in a metal bowl. Fill a saucepan with about an inch of water and bring it to a simmer on the stovetop. Place the bowl on top of the saucepan, ensuring the bottom of the bowl doesn't touch the water. The steam from the simmering water slowly warms the bowl, melting your wafers evenly and safely.
Recommended
📖 Recipe
Chocolate Pretzel Clusters
Ingredients
- 10 ounces milk chocolate melting wafers
- 1.5 cups crushed pretzels
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Line a mini muffin pan with liners and set aside.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, add the chocolate melting wafers and microwave in 30-second increments, stirring until melted. Alternatively, melt using a double boiler on the stove top.
- Add the crushed pretzels to melted the chocolate. Stir gently until incorporated.
- Drop the pretzel mixture tablespoon into the lined mini muffin pan. Sprinkle the tops with sea salt while the chocolate is still wet.
- Transfer the pan to the refrigerator or freezer to harden for about 10 to 15 minutes. Store candies in a sealed container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Equipment Recommendations
Notes
- Nut cluster variation: Pretzels can be substituted with chopped nuts like peanuts or walnuts to make nut clusters instead.
Came out great!! Thank you!
Looks delicious. Will be making for Christmas, definitely
Thank you for sharing this amazing recipe.